The first component of your septic system is the septic tank - an underground watertight receptacle that is designed and constructed to receive wastewater from your home. This tank:
- Separates the solids from the liquids
- Provides basic biologic treatment
- Partially digests organic matter
- Stores sludge and scum
- Delivers relatively clear effluent to the absorption area
- Needs to be cleaned and inspected at regular intervals
In a properly functioning treatment tank, solids and liquids are effectively separated. The heaviest matter; such as solids, settle to the bottom of the tank forming sludge. Lighter material, including fats and greases, rise to the top and is called scum. The partially clarified liquid that lies between the scum and the sludge layers called effluent, flows out to the absorption area.